Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually, remains a significant concern in U.S. anti-drug efforts.
Cartels Exploit Social Media to Spread Violence
Cartels are increasingly using social media platforms, including TikTok, to incite violence against U.S. officials. News Nation reported that cartel-affiliated posts have encouraged illegal immigrants to spit and urinate on ICE agents and even defecate in their vehicles.
Some posts go further, urging assassins to target border personnel.
Just last week, cartel members in Mexico fired at Border Patrol agents patrolling in Fronton, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The attackers retreated into Mexico, seeking refuge on Fronton Island between the two countries in an attempt to evade Mexican military forces.
Calls for Private Security to Combat Cartels
As cartel violence escalates, some lawmakers are proposing unconventional measures to counter the threat. U.S. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently suggested that private entities be authorized to take action against cartels.
